Careers

A Day in the Life of a
Dual Badge Officer

based at a court

What does a court-based Dual Badge Officer do?

Court-based Dual Badge Officers (DBOs) support the criminal justice system by caring for both adults and children or young people in custody within the court environment. 

Working across custody suites, consultation rooms and courtrooms, they help keep people safe while adapting their approach to meet different needs. The role combines security, professionalism, teamwork and safeguarding, making every day varied and rewarding. 

We spoke to one of our court-based Dual Badge Officers to hear what a typical day looks like. 

Starting the day

"Every shift starts before the first court hearings begin with a team briefing covering operational updates, expected arrivals and any information we need before court opens. 

We collect our equipment before carrying out security checks throughout the custody suite and court areas. 

Depending on the day I could be working in the custody cells, escorting people around the court building or supporting legal visits. 

Preparing thoroughly means we're ready for whatever the day brings." 

Supporting adults and young people 

"One of the things I enjoy most is the variety. 

Some days I'm supporting adults attending court, while on others I may also be working with children and young people. 

Everyone has different needs, so we adapt how we communicate while maintaining professionalism and following established procedures. 

Throughout the day we're escorting people safely between custody suites, consultation rooms and courtrooms while carrying out regular welfare observations and making sure everyone is treated with dignity and respect." 
step 3:

Safeguarding and professionalism 

"Working with both adults and young people means no two interactions are ever the same. 

Safeguarding is central whenever we're supporting children and young people attending court, while adults may also require additional support because of medical conditions, poor mental health or other vulnerabilities. 

Before anyone arrives, we're given information to help us understand any risks or additional needs so we can provide the appropriate level of support." 

Working together 

"This role relies on teamwork. 

We're constantly working alongside Court Custody Managers, Prison Officers, HM Courts & Tribunals Service staff, Police Officers, solicitors, barristers, healthcare professionals and Youth Offending Teams. 

Everyone works together to make sure the court operates safely and individuals move securely through the justice system." 

No two days are the same 

"Although I'm always based in court, every shift is different. 

Court hearings change, priorities move quickly and unexpected situations happen regularly. 

One minute I could be supervising legal consultations, the next escorting someone to court or supporting a young person attending their hearing. 

The variety is one of the reasons I enjoy the role so much." 

The challenges 

"You need to stay calm under pressure. 

You'll sometimes deal with challenging behaviour, emotional distress, safeguarding concerns, medical emergencies or incidents of self-harm. 

The training prepares you for all of these situations, and you'll always have experienced colleagues around you for support." 

The rewards 

"Knowing I've helped someone safely through an important stage of the criminal justice system is incredibly rewarding. 

I enjoy the variety of supporting both adults and young people because every day is different and every interaction requires a slightly different approach. 

It's a role where you genuinely make a positive difference." 

Could this role be for you? 

You don't need previous custody experience to become a court-based Dual Badge Officer. 

Many of our colleagues have backgrounds in the Armed Forces, emergency services, care, education, customer service, logistics, hospitality, retail and transport. 

If you're adaptable, communicate confidently, stay calm under pressure and want a varied career supporting both adults and young people within the court environment, this could be the role for you. 

We'll provide all the training, equipment and ongoing support you need to build a rewarding career with Serco, including specialist training to support children and young people attending court safely and appropriately. 
Apply now